On Sunday evening, we witnessed the inauguration of the Kaka Joseph Baptista Gardens, East Indian Bhavan in Juhu. This is the first-ever East Indian community-themed garden in the world, tucked away at the end of a Juhu Koliwada lane, which was once a derelict open space. Local leaders had promised the East Indian community a dedicated space of their own since 2021, and this has finally been realised.
This paper reported on the development, showing an East-Indian themed complex in pictures, a Bhavan with Garden, Museum, community hall, library and other features making this a blend of the outdoors with a children’s play area and historical archive of the community. Several sculptures dotted the lawns and pathways of the space, showing traditional occupations of the East Indian community.
Pictures showed a museum with East Indian-specific artefacts being set up and finishing touches being given. The space will be open to the public by June. We want to see that the place is maintained. There are several items and books in the library in the complex that must be looked at and read with care and respect.
Several statues along the pathways inside can be looked at, but people must refrain from roughly touching them, leaning against them or trying to even break away or extricate something the statue may be holding. Respect the art from a healthy distance and take away history lessons. Enjoy the space, learn from it, take your selfies at the designated point and take in the beautiful blooms. This is a gift not just to the community but to the city. Let us keep it as good as new.